Community News
Gillespie Council approves water rate surcharges
Gillespie Water Department customers will start paying an additional surcharge on their water bills as a result of action taken by the City Council on Monday night.
After a few minutes of confusion, the Council approved an ordinance calling for the addition of a $1 surcharge, increasing by $1 for the next six months and culminating in a total $12 surcharge on the base, minimum water bill. The ordinance also contains provisions to increase the bulk rate charge to satellite communities, which satellites presumably will pass on to their customers.
Initially, council members believed they were voting on the ordinance on a motion by Ald. Landon Pettit, but Pettit said he was actually moving to approve a resolution with the same identifying number as the ordinance. The council then re-voted on a motion by Ald. Dona Rauzi, seconded by Pettit to unanimously approve the ordinance.
The resolution, authorizing payment of $190 to Moran Economic Development, LLC., for administrative work completed in connection with a newly established Tax Increment Financing District, was approved earlier in the meeting. The payment will come from TIF funds generated by the district.
STREETSCAPE ENGINEER
A reluctant council narrowly approved retaining Curry and Associates Engineering, Inc., Nashville, as the coordinating engineering firm for the city’s upcoming Streetscape Development program in Downtown Gillespie. City Treasurer Dan Fisher recommended the action, after noting preliminary engineering and design work for the project have been completed. “We’re ready now for the final design and construction supervision,” he said.
Ald. Dave “Lumpy” Link asked if Fisher solicited bids for the project. Fisher replied that a solicitation for bids was advertised and Curry was the only firm to submit a formal proposal, along with required paperwork. “We did have a couple of phone calls, but no one else submitted a proposal,” Fisher said.
On a motion by Ald. Frank Barrett, seconded by Rauzi, the council split 3-3 on approving Curry for the project, forcing Mayor John Hicks to cast the deciding vote.
“I’m going to vote yes to get this project going,” Hicks announced. “We’ve been on this for three years.”
Ald. Rauzi commented that several downtown businesses had asked her to be notified when Streetscape work is planned in front of their business places. Some complained that when sewer improvements were done earlier in preparation for the Streetscape project, many stores were blindsided when work commenced in front of their business places. “They’d just like to have some notice when work is being done,” she said.
Later in the meeting, Ald. Pettit expanded upon his objection to hiring Curry and Associates, when the discussion turned to approving the city’s annual Motor Fuel Tax Resolution. Ultimately, the council approved the $525,000 resolution but not before Ald. Bob Fritz and Ald. Pettit voiced concerns about the document, which was prepared by the Curry engineering firm.
Essentially an appropriation document, the resolution establishes maximum expenditures for the city’s annual street maintenance program. The appropriation, however, is based on estimates determined by the engineer.
Fritz noted the resolution authorizes purchase of 500 tons of blacktop at $48 per ton.
“I don’t know where you can get blacktop for $48 a ton,” Fritz said. “It’s more like $100 a ton. There were five or six streets we didn’t get to do last year because we were short of oil. I don’t want to be limited because we can only buy 150 tons of blacktop.”
Fritz also pointed to a street that Curry estimated to be 17 feet wide, when the street actually is more than 20 feet wide, which will require more material to resurface.
Fisher said the council could table the resolution to five aldermen time to review the document and markup any deficiencies they find.
“I think that would be a good idea,” said Fisher. He said the total of Curry’s estimates come to $490,000, which the resolution sets the appropriation at $525,000—a cushion of $35,000. “You can make adjustments to that amount. You can make this for $600,000 if you want. You can also do a supplemental resolution later if it appears we are going to need more money.”
Pettit commented that Curry’s work on issues like the Motor Fuel Tax Resolution was part of the reason he voted against hiring the firm for the Streetscape Project.
“How can you be an engineer and not know that asphalt is not $48 a ton?” he asked. “It’s over $90 a ton. There’s no reason for them not to know a street is not 17 feet wide. We have Google Maps. There’s no excuse for it. It’s shoddy work.” He suggested switching to a different engineering firm.
“I wouldn’t recommend switching horses in the middle of the stream,” Fisher said, reiterating his position that a supplemental resolution can be approved at a later date.
Ultimately, the council unanimously approved Ald. Link’s motion, seconded by Ald. Pettit, to approve the resolution as presented, with an eye toward approving a supplemental resolution later, if needed. The approved resolution will now be filed with the Illinois Department of Transportation which administers motor fuel tax distributions to municipalities.
CORNERSTONE TL RENTALS DISPLACEMENT
The council agreed to extend the variance for Tim Loveless to operate offices for Cornerstone TL Rentals in a residential area until at least the end of February, despite objections from one vocal Park Avenue resident. Loveless’s office at 210 Springfield Road was heavily damaged by fire last fall, after which he moved the office to a residence he owns on Park Avenue, pending repairs to the Springfield Road property. He originally pledged to be out of the Park Avenue location by Jan. 1, but faced delays in getting materials for the damaged building.
In the meantime, Loveless told the council Monday night, he entered into negotiations to purchase the former Drew Ford garage to house his business offices and equipment. A closing date for the purchase is set for Jan. 12, he said. The former business location on Springfield Road has a new roof, but still needs extensive renovation inside. Assuming he is able to move the location of his business, Loveless said he would either rent or sell the Springfield Road facility, once the interior is complete.
“What you’re asking is for the council to not take action while you get into the new building,” City Attorney Rick Verticchio summarized. “I think they will agree to that. It’s in the best interest of the city, and your neighbors on Park Avenue and Springfield Road, to have your business in the business district.What the council wants to know is whether you have a firm contract to buy the building and when you intend to move into town.”
Loveless said the contract is firm, adding he would need about a month and a half to make the move.
Responding to a question from Ald. Pettit, Loveless declined to confirm the number of rental residences he owns in the City of Gillespie.
“What I’m getting at is it would cause a major problem if your business was disrupted,” Pettit said.
Loveless agreed, saying he paid $47,500 in property taxes last year.
Park Avenue resident Stacey Hart again objected to extending Loveless’s conditional variance.
“It’s a residential area,” she said. “I was told he would be out by the first. He doesn’t need to be there.” She said she and other residents have been inconvenienced by additional traffic and vehicles occasional blocking the street.
Ald. Rauzi, however, who represents the ward that includes Park Avenue said she has heard no other complaints from neighbors. The only objection she’s heard, she said, was from Hart during meetings of the council.
Later in the meeting, the council unanimously agreed to extend the conditional variance for Loveless, tentatively to the end of February, to allow time for him to move the business to the downtown area.
The council took no action, however, from a request from Brad Bunn to pay a $400 excavation bill he incurred to address a sewer issue. Burn said he hired Ranger Excavating after the sewer backed up into his basement, but the problem was later found to be a blockage in the main sewer. He said city crews made three attempts with a water jet to move the blockage.
Fisher recommended referring the issue to the Water and Sewer Committee.
“In the past, we haven’t paid anything,” Fisher said. “If he’s due a reimbursement and it’s against policy, the policy may have to be rescinded.”
PROPERTY SALE
With Ald. Link abstaining, the council agreed to sell a city-owned parcel of vacant land behind Besserman’s Super Bowl and adjacent medical offices between Montani Avenue and Tower Road to Link for $5,049.50. Link submitted the higher of two bids for the property. Weye Schmidt, the unsuccessful bidder, offered $3,767 for the surplus property.
In a related matter, the council voted unanimously to declare as surplus and offer for sale a residence located at 503 West Chestnut Street. City Attorney Rick Verticchio said the court awarded the property to the city as a result of a public nuisance proceeding, and an individual had contacted the city to say he was interested in acquiring the residence in order to rehabilitate it.
“I told this individual the property would have to be declared excess property, and he would have to bid on it,” Verticchio said.
Acting on Verticchio’s advice, the council voted to declare the property as excess, and to advertise it for sale via sealed bids.
POLICE REPORTS
While no action was taken, several minutes of discussion were devoted to the issue of police enforcement at various intervals throughout the meeting.
Ald. Pettit urged the council to “take a look” at the city’s ordinance regarding campers within the city limits.
“We have people living in campers in town,” he said. “It seems to be a problem and it’s getting worse.”
City ordinance prohibits persons from using campers as a residence. According to Pettit, some of the campers are hooked up to propane but the offenders claim that is just to keep the camper warm and prevent pipes from freezing.
“This problem is universal,” Verticchio said. “The problem is getting neighbors to testify.” If police issue a citation and it goes to court, the court will dismiss if no witnesses appear to testify. If the defendant testifies they aren’t living in the camper, the court has no choice but to dismiss the complaint. He agreed, however, to revisit the ordinance to require off-street parking for campers, and to include a variance for temporary housing in the event of a fire or other disaster.
Both Pettit and Ald. Link complained about lack of enforcement regarding parking violations. Link claimed a vehicle with a flat tire has been blocking one lane of traffic in the 300 block of West Spruce Street for two months. Fritz alleged vehicles on South Macoupin Street are parked facing the wrong direction.
Police Chief Jared DePoppe said patrolmen will issue citations if aldermen report the violations to him. Otherwise, they do not issue citations for violations they see because of time constraints.
Link asked DePoppe how many officers are on patrol at any one time.
“There’s always two on patrol,” DePoppe said. “When we are fully staffed, there are three.” He said one of the two officers patrol the south half of the city and Benld, while the other patrols the north side and East Gillespie.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted to pay the $190 registration fee, plus meals and lodging, for Water Plant Operator Dave Pickett to attend an Illinois Rural Water Association Conference next month.
- Agreed to raise wages by $1 per hour for non-union employees, including part-time and seasonal workers, to match raises given to union employees as a result of collective bargaining.
- Took under advisement a proposed ordinance to set the cost of connecting to a new city water line at Gillespie Lake. Action on the ordinance is expected next month.
- No action followed a 20-minute executive session to discuss legal issues and real estate.
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Jaylen M. Ronald, 22 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Shelby Street in reference to animal neglect.
Walter L. Vester, 30 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a home security check.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to telephone harassment.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an unwanted solicitor.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Easton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was speaking with a female in the 200 block of North Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a civil issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment by telephone.
An officer was dispatched to the 15000 block of Western Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 200 block of Park Avenue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to spam callers.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie bike trail in reference to a suspicious person on a motorized bike.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a juvenile issue.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of Maple Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property. Joseph F. Frew, 49 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for littering prohibited.
An officer was dispatched to the 111 South 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil stand by.
An officer was dispatched to the 10000 Friese Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare with a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a 911 call.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2024
Juan A. Cortez, 40 of Danville, was arrested on multiple warrants. Cortez had warrants out of Collinsville for possession of methamphetamine, Sangamon County for failure to appear for drugs, and Coles County for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference o a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Elm Street in reference to an alarm call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer met with a female at Gillespie Police Department to collect an item that she found.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Heritage Health in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to South 4th Street and East Spruce Street in Benld in reference to recovered stolen property.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Jersey Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Oregon Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious female in a vehicle. Kourtney K. Claro, 33 of Benld, was issued citation for no valid driver’s license.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding,
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a fire call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Kyle W. Bennett, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with a felon failure to return from furlough in connection with a November 8 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Dewey E. Morgan, 66 of Carlinville, is charged with retail theft (<$300) in connection with an August 29 incident.
Elizabeth A. Marfell, 35 of Gillespie, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 8 incident.
Dorothy J. Anderson, 40 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to residence and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 27 incident.
TRAFFIC
Matthew D. Knick, 20 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 7 incident.
Jennifer L. Arnotti, 34 of Staunton, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 11 incident.
Kelan J. Stevenson, 27 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 17 incident.
Ernest L. Stevenson, 21 of Benld, is charged with improper use registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Joshua T. Koniak, 43 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Casey R. Ness, 48 of Greenville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 18 incident.
Gary R. Priddle, 46 of Benld, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Travis J. Bramley, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Matthew Diamond versus Stephanie Diamond
- Marilyn K. Loveless versus Jerel D. Loveless Sr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Timothy H. Johnson and Jennifer Kay Woolsey, both of Staunton
- Daniel Allen Balai of Bunker Hill and Chloe Renee Yinger of Alton
Comments
FELONIES
Rex J. White, 49 of Mount Olive, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over), reckless driving, improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, operating a motor vehicle with registration/suspended , and driving 1-10 mph above the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Britteny D M Herr, 30 of Brighton, is charged with violation of an order with a prior violation in connection with a November 17 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 17 incident.
Jesse D. Cimino, 42 of Troy, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 1 incident.
Jennifer R. Haneline, 39 of Godfrey, is charged with burglary and theft/authorized control (>500<10k) in connection with an August 6 incident.
Simone R. Para, 51 of Girard, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of drugs in connection with an October 13 incident.
Crystal D. Hoffman, 45 of Staunton, is charged with obstruction of justice/destroying evidence and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew P. Hansen, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with received/possession/selling stolen vehicle and possession of meth (<5 grams) in connection with a November 20 incident.
Justin C. Grider, 42 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault/operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 21 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jacqueline B. Jessen, 42 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Perry L. Lair, 62 of Virden, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kara E. Estes, 37 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Melissa R. Robinson, 36 of Farmersville, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kenneth J. Barker, 38 of Litchfield, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 19 incident.
Julio Isaias Pedro Felipe, 36 of Springfield, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Amanda J. Eberwein, 27 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 12 incident.
Katherine F. Fugitt, 33 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 15 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Michael C. Cummings versus Tracy L. Cummings
